My 14 year old son was diagnosed 8 months ago. He’s really shy about going places and giving himself shots and testing in front of others (which I understand at this age…) He’s kind of withdrawn from social activities this summer and I’m concerned about him starting high school in the Fall. Any advice, words of wisdom or suggestions to help him come out of this? He won’t go to diabetes camp and doesn’t seem interested in talking to other kids with diabetes. He’s just really private about it but it has really affected his ability to go out and just be a kid this summer. How long before he starts feeling better about this? I know many kids who are type 1 and doing very well, playing sports, etc… I just want the best for my son and want him to live as happy and healthy a life as possible. This diagnosis hit him at a very difficult time (not that any time is easier, but 13…)
He might not want to talk to other kids with diabetes, but I still think that it would help. He might need a bit of a push to do it the first time.
He could consider teen camps – like this one in Illinois – click here
Perhaps it would be better to start online and see if we will chat with other diabetic teenagers – our teenagers don’t just chat about diabetes. They talk to each other about other stuff mostly, but then are just glad to not be alone.
Show him this community, which has many teenagers:
Juvenation
I saw that you tried to start him on the Omnipod. I would think that this would help him because he would have a cool gadget, but I don’t know what it is like to be a 14 year old these days.
When I was first diagnosed, I saw a therapist for one year to help me deal with adjusting to life with diabetes. This made all the difference for me. I wonder if he would consider that – maybe his endo could recommend someone?
I was diagnosed at 16 so I can sort of relate. Nothing seems more important when you’re a teenager than fitting in. As much as it seems like camp or a support group will only reinforce the idea that he is different, I think that they would probably make him feel more normal than ever. See if there is any way you can bribe him, but I would avoid going negative. He just needs a little (or big) nudge to gain some perspective. Once he sees that all of the cool kids have diabetes he probably won’t feel the same way:)
I should add that you will probably see the same resistance to the pump at his age. He’ll see it as uncool, even though the kids around him will be fine with it or even fascinated by it. It’s all perspective. He’s just self-conscious which is pretty normal at that age. I bet you can’t wait until girls start playing a bigger role in his life!
We’re trying to get him to see a therapist. Had to drag him the first time… not a fun day. He said he will go back, but we’ll see! In addition to diabetes, he struggles with anxiety. So he has trouble with going to the dentist, competetive sports, etc… Fortunately, no issues with going to his endo. The Omnipod was hard because he’s so thin, we couldn’t find good insertion points. We are hoping he will try again in a few months or so. It might just be too much at once. High school and the pump.